Novak Djokovic blends training and basketball in Athens” — Djokovic is preparing for a return to competition at the ATP 250 event in Athens, combining on-court practice with basketball sessions.
## Novak Djokovic blends tennis training with basketball sessions in Athens
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic is turning heads in Athens, where he is preparing for his comeback at the upcoming Hellenic Championship ATP 250 — and doing so in rather unconventional style. While fine-tuning his on-court game ahead of the November event in Greece, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is also slipping into basketball sessions, blending physical training with a touch of variety. ([Tennis World USA][1])
### Racing back to competition
After reaching the semi-finals in Shanghai and a tough outing in Riyadh (where he retired versus Taylor Fritz), Djokovic elected to skip the Paris Masters 1000 and focus his energies on Athens. ([Tennis World USA][2]) The tournament in Athens is the first time he plays in Greece, making it a special return. ([Tennis World USA][1])
### Training with a twist
Djokovic’s preparation has included standard tennis drills and court time — notably, he linked up for a practice session in Athens with Pavlos Tsitsipas (younger brother of Stefanos) at the Four Seasons facility in Asteras Vouliamenis. ([Tennis World USA][1])
Beyond that, he’s been embracing basketball training as a cross-discipline boost. By incorporating movement, agility, and coordination in a different sporting context, the Serbian star is adding freshness to his routine.
### Why Athens?
The timing and location are telling. The Hellenic Championship in Athens marks the relocation of what had been the Belgrade event, now hosted at the venue OAKA Indoor Hall from November 1-8. ([Tornos News][3])
For Djokovic the move holds personal and strategic value:
* He has a base in the Athens area and has reportedly shown interest in training and lifestyle facilities there. ([tennis24.gr][4])
* From a tennis-calendar perspective, focusing on one event allows him more control of his body heading into the season-end and beyond. ([webthethao.vn][5])
### What’s next?
As top seed at the Athens tournament, Djokovic will begin his campaign in the second round (on Tuesday, November 4). ([Tennis World USA][1]) With the year winding down, a strong showing in Athens could bolster his year-end positioning and momentum heading into 2026.
### Take-away
While the hyperlink between tennis and basketball might seem unusual, it reflects Djokovic’s willingness to innovate his preparation. At an age where wear and tear become more of a factor, diversifying his movement patterns and keeping training mentally fresh can be wise. If the blend of court work and basketball drills pays off, he could enter Athens with sharper reflexes, improved footwork and renewed energy — exactly what a tournament like this demands.
* [Tennis World USA](https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Novak_Djokovic/160917/novak-djokovic-blends-training-and-basketball-in-athens/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Tennis365](https://www.tennis365.com/tennis-features/hellenic-championship-entry-list-prize-money-ranking-points-key-dates-novak-djokovic-returns?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Tornos News](https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/tourism-businesses/thematic-tourism/53996-athens-at-forefront-of-sports-tourism-with-vanda-pharmaceuticals-hellenic-championship-atp-250.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Novak_Djokovic/160917/novak-djokovic-blends-training-and-basketball-in-athens/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Novak Djokovic blends training and basketball in Athens”
[2]: https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Novak_Djokovic/160592/novak-djokovic-retires-in-riyadh-eyes-recovery-ahead-of-athens-and-turin/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Novak Djokovic retires in Riyadh, eyes recovery ahead of Athens and Turin”
[3]: https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/tourism-businesses/thematic-tourism/53996-athens-at-forefront-of-sports-tourism-with-vanda-pharmaceuticals-hellenic-championship-atp-250.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Athens at forefront of sports tourism with Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship ATP 250”
[4]: https://www.tennis24.gr/ti-simainei-gia-to-elliniko-tenis-i-metakomisi-tzokovits-stin-athina/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Τι σημαίνει για το ελληνικό τένις η μετακόμιση Τζόκοβιτς στην Αθήνα | Tennis24”
[5]: https://webthethao.vn/tennis/djokovic-xem-xet-lai-lich-thi-dau-sau-tran-thua-alcaraz-o-giai-quan-vot-us-open-2025-va-xac-nhan-tham-du-atp-250-athens-lWx3Ab9Ng.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Djokovic xem xét lại lịch thi đấu sau trận thua Alcaraz ở giải quần vợt US Op
en 2025 và xác nhận tham dự ATP 250 Athens”
